Season 8: Take a close look at the refurbished Winterfell set
By Corey Smith
While filming on Game of Thrones season 8 continues throughout Northern Ireland, the production wrapped up an extended shoot at the Winterfell set at Moneyglass, Northern Ireland weeks ago. It suffices to say that Winterfell will see a lot of action next year. Like, a LOT a lot.
The shoot was so extensive that HBO refurbished the Winterfell set before filming began, building towers and crenellations that were previously added after the fact with CGI. Now that the production has largely moved on, it’s easier for fans to get up close to the set for photo ops, and fansite Watchers on the Wall has brought us the most detailed images yet of the iconic set. Take a look below — you can click on the pictures to blow them up.
Above, you can see the set in all it’s glory. It’s enormous, although not quite as enormous as the King’s Landing set in Belfast. The tents and production trailer give the picture a nice sense of scale.
Zooming in, we can get a better look at the direwolf sigil above the main gate. The red ‘X’s at the top of the towers are likely special effect markers.
Off to the side of the castle are what looks like earthen dikes, as well as sharpened sticks. We have a good idea who might end up in/on those. The defensive apparatuses hanging off the battlements appear to have been removed.
And the other side. Both towers have working slats for defenders to drop stones, arrows or what not onto attackers below.
For more images, head to Watchers on the Wall.
HBO plans to leave the King’s Landing set up after filming is finished so tourists can visit. With all the work they’ve done on the Winterfell set, perhaps they’ll give it the same honor.
Next: Should any of the Game of Thrones prequels be animated?
To stay up to date on everything Game of Thrones, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Watch Game of Thrones for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels